
We're elevating the next generation of aviation, together
Leadership team
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Kevin Steen
Chief Executive Officer
Kevin leads AURA's strategic direction and growth, providing innovative and secure communications solutions for the aviation and critical infrastructure sectors. With over 30 years of experience in technology business development and operational leadership, he is recognized for his strong customer relationships and proven track record in balancing strategy with execution. Kevin has held CEO roles at Eutelsat America Corp., OneWeb Technologies, and iDirect, driving industry-leading innovations.
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Tamara Casey
Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President, Business Development
Tamara, cofounder of AURA Network Systems, has over 35 years of experience in telecommunications, aviation, and technology development, including network engineering, design, deployment, and operations management, as well as intellectual property creation and evaluation. As a licensed multi-engine-rated pilot, she has played a pivotal role in integrating UAS into national airspace, serving on numerous standards-bodies’ working groups and advancing command-and-control data links using aviation-allocated spectrum. A seasoned business strategist and industry advisor for global investment firms, her leadership and expertise drive AURA's mission to transform transportation through innovative communications capabilities.
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Ginger McClendon
Executive Vice President,
Technology & EngineeringGinger leads the development and strategic deployment of AURA's greenfield aviation communications network. With three decades of wireless experience, she oversees network architecture, product engineering, and technology labs, while advancing the company’s service offerings. Ginger's expertise spans customer integration, validation, and testing, as well as strategy and implementation for core, RAN, transport, software engineering, and network operations.
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Elena Micich
Senior Vice President, Product & Marketing
Elena spearheads the creation of innovative offerings, translating AURA’s technologies into customer-driven products. She also oversees marketing and communications at AURA, ensuring cohesive messaging and brand positioning. With over 20 years of experience in product development and startup leadership, she has successfully driven go-to-market strategies and new product launches for global technology and aerospace companies. Elena’s expertise spans market development, customer experience, and business operations.
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Heather Samartino
Vice President, Finance
Heather directs the financial operations at AURA Network Systems as Vice President of Finance. With nearly two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, she oversees financial reporting, accounting, audit management, and supports strategic financial planning, budget management, and procurement services. Heather's expertise spans across operational and financial strategy, systems of internal controls, and revenue assurance.
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Denise Olmsted
Senior Vice President of Legal, Compliance & Regulatory
Denise oversees AURA’s legal affairs by providing strategic counsel to ensure the company’s continued growth and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and legal strategy in highly regulated industries, including aviation. Denise previously served as Vice President and General Counsel at Aireon, a global aviation surveillance company and pioneer of space-based ADS-B data for the aviation industry. She also served as Vice President of Commercial Legal Affairs at Intelsat, a global geostationary satellite-services provider.
Board of Directors
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Walter Berger
Executive Chairman, AURA Board. Previously President and Co-CEO, Kymeta Corporation
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Michael K. Palmer
Managing Director, Cerberus Capital Management
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Dr. Shaygan Kheradpir
Previously of CTIO, Verizon; COO, Barclays; CEO, Juniper; and CEO, Coriant
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Shankar Murugavell
Senior Analyst, Mudrick Capital Management, L.P.
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Peggy (Margaret) Gilligan
Previously Associate Administrator and Chief of Staff, FAA
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Dr. Bruce J. Holmes
Previously Chief Strategist, NASA
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Peter Leibman
Managing Director, Asset Management, Fortress Investment Group
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Kevin Steen
Chief Executive Officer, AURA Network Systems
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Tamara Casey
Chief Strategy Officer & EVP, Business Development
Empowering change through industry leadership
AURA team members participate in aviation's key regulatory bodies and industry associations at the highest levels.
AIA Board of Governors
Vice Chair, AIA Spectrum Committee
AIA Emerging Technologies Committee
Chair, RTCA Special Committee UAS and AAM Standards
RTCA Advisory Board
Lead, AIAA Subcommittee on AAM
Lead, AIAA Subcommittee on Electric Propulsion
NATA AAM Committee
AUVSI Air Advocacy Committee
SAE AAM Steering Group
Subpanel Lead, GAMA Electric Propulsion & Innovation Committee
Recent industry awards
AURA was recognized in 2023 and 2024 among the Best Tech Startups in Virginia.
AURA received Women and Drones ‘2023 Company Innovation Award’.
Locations
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Headquarters
1765 Greensboro Station Place, 9th Floor, McLean, VA 22102
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Integration Lab
Frederick, MD
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Test Site
Springfield, OH